A partnership has just been signed between the Access to Energy Institute (A2EI) based in Berlin, Germany and Odyssey Energy Solutions. As part of the Green People's Energy (GBE) initiative, these organizations will provide automated monitoring of the operation of solar photovoltaic systems installed in health care facilities in Benin.
Solar energy is an excellent way to accelerate rural electrification in Benin. This solution is all the more necessary for the structures of service to the populations, notably the health centers. However, the “operation and maintenance” aspect of these electricity access kits is often neglected or less taken into account in structuring projects in Benin. Several organizations are pooling their skills in order to ensure the monitoring of solar systems installed in hospitals via digital technology.
The partnership was recently signed between the American company Odyssey Energy Solutions and the Access to Energy Institute (A2EI)) based in Berlin, Germany, as part of the Green People’s Energy (GBE). Implemented by the German Agency for International Development Cooperation (GIZ), this initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Cooperation and Development aims to provide sub-Saharan African countries with technical and financial support for the acquisition of decentralized renewable energy systems, particularly photovoltaic systems.
The installation of collectors
As part of the new partnership supported by the Beninese Agency for Health Infrastructure, Equipment and Maintenance (AISEM), A2EI and GBE Benin have begun their activities by installing 20 sensors to record real-time data on the electricity supply systems serving 10 health care facilities connected to Benin’s national electricity grid and as many off-grid hospitals.
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These data are cross-referenced through the new Prospect platform, recently launched by A2EI and GET.invest, the European Union (EU) program dedicated to mobilizing financing for renewable energy. The data collected will be integrated and visualized by Odyssey. This information will allow various government actors, private operators and donors to intervene in a timely manner to ensure continuity of electricity service.
At least 69% of solar systems out of service in Benin
“As an extension of this work to date, discussions are underway for a second wave of data loggers in remote grid-connected and off-grid health centers, funded by GBE Benin,” Odyssey announced. These sensors are expected to provide an essential service to the operation of solar systems that enable hospitals to improve care for populations, especially in rural areas.
According to surveys conducted between 2020-2021 as part of the GBE project in Benin, more than 69% of the solar systems installed in health centers over the past five years were no longer functioning. This situation is particularly worrisome given that many sub-Saharan African countries rely on solar power to electrify rural health centers. Such programs are often launched by impact investors.
Jean Marie Takouleu
